There is a serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere at present. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Please see the attached generic NHS leaflet. Please do not blame pharmacy staff or GP surgery staff; it isn’t their fault.

Sunday 28 June 2026

Updated and new items first:

It’s wonderful Resident Doctors called off their strike. Whilst there is no extra money for this year, the offer is said to propose faster increases in pay scales next year. Additionally, 4,500 extra training places are promised for newly qualified doctors and doctors’ exam fees will be covered. We commend both sides for this and beg the BMA members to accept.

The Measles outbreak continues in north London and West Midlands. It’s spread into East of England. Parents should get children vaccinated and check children’s vaccination status.  In 2026 to 8 June 736 English measles cases have been confirmed (959 in whole of 2025), mostly driven by the North London outbreak. Alarmingly this continues increasing. There have been 2 measles deaths in children in 2026. Essex is in danger from its neighbours.  

As previously reported, Martha’s Rule is a patient safety initiative to support the early detection of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon in all acute (hospital) settings. Jess’s Rule (Three strikes and we rethink) is a primary care initiative to encourage GPs teams to rethink a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same symptoms or concerns, particularly if symptoms unexpectedly persist, escalate, or remain unexplained.

Red Heat Health Alerts, Amber and Yellow ones. Forecasters predict more this summer. Sweating is good. Dehydration, lack of breeze, tight-fitting clothes, not sweating causes overheating. Everyone is at risk, not just vulnerable people. Keep cool by:

• avoiding the sun when it’s strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. Outside apply high protection sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade; 
• keeping your home cool: keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. open windows safely when the air feels cooler outside than inside, eg at night, and get air flowing through your home; 
• limiting strenuous physical activity, or plan it for cooler times of the day, eg early morning or evening; 
• avoiding hot, closed spaces like stationary cars; 
• wearing loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Dark colours and synthetic materials absorb and trap heat; 
• staying hydrated throughout the day, not only when thirsty. If sweating heavily, consider rehydration drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration; 
• spray or sponge your skin with cool water. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck also help; 
• turning off non-essential electronics. TV, laptops and chargers generate heat.

Dangers of heat: London’s Ambulances answered a record 8,869 999 calls on Friday 26 June 2026, 500+per hour from 6pm to midnight. 688 were Category 1 most seriously ill patients, including with cardiac and breathing arrests.

During the World Cup, Football fans are urged not to ignore health problems. New analysis reveals a significant drop in A&E attendances while the Three Lions are playing.

The NHS is available throughout the football action, including extra time and penalties. Don’t wait for the final whistle if serious illness or accident occurs. Our weekly newsletter includes everything we’ve published in the previous 7-days. Libraries provide online services and help with internet access. For welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com or leave a voicemail on 01245 322079.  https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/